Criminal Law

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Utah County’s Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you ever find yourself involved in a criminal case, you need an expert criminal defense attorney to help you get the outcome you deserve. Whether your situation involves juvenile crimes, DUI and driving-while-intoxicated crimes, white collar, sex offense, violent or drug crimes, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities.

Even if police provide you with assistance or treat you with kindness and respect, having to meet with them is rarely a positive experience. If you could be culpable for wrongdoing or could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Provo, American Fork, Spanish Fork, or Orem, contact a local criminal defense attorney right away. The attorneys at Jason White & Associates can answer your questions and provide important information for your case.

Knowing and Understanding your Rights

The U.S. and Utah Constitutions give specific protections that allow you to remain silent or give only some information to investigators in many situations. For example, unless you are a suspect in a crime or driving a vehicle, you don’t usually have to identify yourself or show identification. Even if you are required to show your ID, you generally don’t have to answer other questions police might have about anything such as your recent whereabouts and activities or how much you had to drink, in the case of a potential DUI arrest.

Even though it’s important to have a basic understanding of your rights, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands all the implications of the law if you want full protection. Local laws throughout Utah County area such as traffic ordinances or criminal mischief rules differ between jurisdictions such as Orem, Provo and Spanish Fork, for example. Furthermore, laws often change during the Utah state legislative sessions and in the U.S. Congress, and courts are constantly deciding cases that help shape the interpretation of laws and that could have important implications in any criminal defense proceedings.

Know When to Talk

While there are times for silence in the face of legal action, know that police assigned to Utah County offices such as the Sheriff’s Office, the Provo and Spanish Fork police departments or the City of Orem Department of Public Safety are certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training organization. They are charged with protecting the public and upholding the law. Most officers only want to help and would rather not make arrests, and refusing to cooperate could cause problems and make your community less safe. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney in Provo and Utah County is wise. Your attorney can advise you about when to volunteer information and when staying quiet is a better idea.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

If you are detained or arrested as a suspect, our top-tier criminal defense attorneys want you to know that you have a right to be notified of your rights against self-incrimination and your right to find a criminal defense attorney before being questioned, but police do not have to notify you of these rights if you are being questioned while not under arrest.

In addition to refusing to talk, you can deny permission for an officer to search your home or vehicle if there’s a lack of probable cause. However, if you begin to talk, leave evidence of criminal activity in plain sight, or grant permission for a search. Any information collected could be used against you in future criminal defense proceedings at the municipal level, at the 4th Judicial District Court in Provo on a state level or in federal courts.

What to do if You or a Loved One is Arrested?

If you have been taken to jail or detained for questioning, you could be charged with a crime. Most criminal defense attorneys recommend refusing to answer questions before being advised by an attorney at law. Ask your attorney about legal procedures such as the bail process, release on your own recognizance, preliminary hearings, the legal filing requirements, as well as the effects of your statements have on your case’s outcome. A good criminal law attorney team will also investigate, conduct interviews, call witnesses and give you options and negotiation strategies to help resolve your case.

If you have general questions regarding crimes in Utah, Wasatch or Millard Counties or want advice for specific circumstances, the skilled criminal defense attorneys in Provo at Jason White & Associates are happy to help. Call today at 801-477-1546 or visit our University Avenue offices in person.